1.

Obtain an expression for total energy of a satellite revolving in circular orbit around a planet .

Answer»

SOLUTION :GravitationalP.E. at a point above the surface of the earth at a distance r = R + h is given by P.E. = `(-GM m)/(r)` where 'M' is mass of the earth and m is the mass of the satellite .
kinetic ENERGY of satellite = `(1)/(2) (GMm)/(r)`
Total energy of satellite = E = PE + KE
Hence E = `(-GMm)/(r) + (1)/(2) (GMm)/(r)`
i.e., `E = - (1)/(2) (GMm)/(r)`
The `-ve` sign INDICATES that the satellite is bounded to the earth .


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